Dear Tuscola CUSD 301 Parents and Students,
What is that I see out my window? It is SNOW! Winter weather and the problems it brings seem to be blessing us after an unusual absence. As I watched it snow, it felt like a good time to remind everyone about school closing or delays due to winter weather. The district understands the decision made regarding school closing or delay has a significant effect on families. We also understand that our students are better served both academically and socially by being in school. During inclement weather, our top priority is the safety of our students and staff. We will do our absolute best in this decision-making process. We know that often no perfect decision exists. Please know that any time there is inclement weather and our schools are open, yet you do not feel the conditions are safe enough for your child to be out, we respect your decision to keep him/her at home. We appreciate your support in making certain all of our students get to school safely on cold wintery days.
DECISION PROCESS
As the superintendent, I am responsible for the final decision regarding school closing or delays. The decision will be made by 6:00 a.m. or earlier if possible. The decision is based on careful analysis of all relevant factors such as the following:
• Information on road conditions. Even if your street is clear, travel elsewhere in the district may be dangerous. We must also consider we have young drivers who drive to school.
• Amount of snow and ice accumulated
• Whether precipitation is continuing
• Building conditions (such as whether we have electricity and heat)
• Parking lot conditions
• Temperature and wind chill.
• Bussing conditions
• We will also talk to other school districts. We will share information about our conditions and check on their decision regarding school closing or delay.
• We prefer not to decide based on weather predictions, which are not always accurate, but sometimes this is unavoidable.
All of the above factors will be used to determine if school is closed or we implement a 2-hour late start.
NOTIFICATION
Families will be notified through our school Twitter and Facebook accounts. The school website and School Messenger will be used to alert families. WCIA Channel 3 and WAND Channel 17 will be used to inform families. Other television and radio stations will be contacted as time allows. Please check these resources more than once.
2 Hour Late Start
Tuscola CUSD #301 will run a late start schedule for all schools on severe weather days. The late start schedule provides the flexibility to begin school two hours later than normal, allowing time for roads to be cleared and temperatures to rise.
This alternative eliminates a situation where severe weather in the early morning leads to a decision to close schools for an entire day when it is not warranted. On late start schedule days, buses will arrive at the scheduled pick-up points two hours later than their regularly-scheduled
time.
In the event a late start schedule is utilized, class periods will be shortened to accommodate a shorter day but dismissal times will not change. Aramark, our food service provider, will not serve breakfast but will continue to serve lunch as usual.
Certified staff/Aides report by 9:30 am. Non-Certified staff reports at their usual time.
